* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches across much of eastern New Mexico with higher amounts of 8 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. Localized areas in eastern Torrance, Guadalupe, and De Baca counties will receive between 8 and 10 inches. Bitterly cold temperatures will accompany the snow. * WHERE...Much of central to east central New Mexico, including Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Santa Rosa to the Texas border. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.
The Headwaters to Red River section, which spans 25 miles, is rated as Class II-III rapids, making it a great option for beginner to intermediate rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 500-2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), with the best time to raft being in the spring and early summer.
During the run, rafters will encounter several notable rapids and obstacles, including the "Manby Hot Springs" rapid and "The Narrows" section. The "Manby Hot Springs" rapid is a Class III rapid that features a large boulder in the center of the river, while "The Narrows" is a narrow section of the river that requires precise maneuvering to navigate.
There are several regulations and guidelines that must be followed when rafting on the Whitewater River. All rafts must be equipped with a life jacket for each person on board, a whistle, and a throw rope. Additionally, the use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited while on the river.
Overall, the Headwaters to Red River section of the Whitewater River offers a fun and exciting experience for rafters of various skill levels. It is important to always check the current streamflow conditions and follow all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
| Last Updated | 2026-01-12 |
| River Levels | 166 cfs (3.88 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 365% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08265000 |
Red River Near Questa
|
519cfs |
Rio Hondo Near Valdez
|
41cfs |
Red River Below Fish Hatchery
|
40cfs |
Rio Lucero Near Arroyo Seco
|
6cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
229cfs |
Costilla Creek Below Costilla Dam
|
1cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Junebug
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Junebug Campground
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Elephant Rock Campground
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Elephant Rock
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Fawn Lakes
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Fawn Lakes Campground
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